PrAja- New Beginnings Disguised As Painful Endings

Author's Note & Prologue

PROLOGUE

June 1591, Chawand

The Maharana had completed his yagyas and rigorous fasting and after three months, had finally returned home. Over the past few months, everything in Mewar has undergone substantial changes. They had come to terms with the loss of their queen, yet they continued to grapple with the enduring void in their hearts. Everyone returned to the usual routine except the king who still couldn't overcome the loss. When the king returned home, the first thing he did was summon his brother-in-law, Shubhkaran. As he stood there waiting for his brother-in-law, he couldn't help but reflect on the irony of life. He had returned to his namesake home, but deep down he knew it wasn't truly home. How could any place in this world be home without her? Her presence could make these forests feel like home, but even luxurious palaces seemed filled with thorns in her absence.

Shubhkaran walked into Rana's chambers and said, "Hukum, how have you been? We have all been worried about you. I know the loss of Jija has affected you the most. Nobody can fill this void in your life, but the kids need their father, and the subjects need their king. You cannot neglect your duties to your family and the state in your grief, Hukum." Shubhkaran sounded exactly like his sister, reprimanding him for his lack of realization about the amount of grief around him. Anything related to her reminded him of her, which he needed to get rid of to function properly. The idea of forgetting her after all she did for him frustrated him, but he needed to survive this. He lost everyone, but he never imagined that he would also lose her, his Ajab.

"I know, Shubhkaran. I know I'm trying, but I don't know how to accomplish anything without her. I've never been a father or a king without her. I've never felt this lonely. Without her, I feel so confused, frustrated, and helpless. I am miserable. I feel like the young boy again, longing to give up all these royal duties and live the life of a saint, far away from all these worldly affairs. I was so selfish, yearning for inner peace, but that luxury eludes me now. Why did she leave me alone in utter misery? When we finally had some stability in our lives, she left. She didn't think about how I would manage everything, Amar would manage everything, or how all the children would manage without her. I was never that much of a present father to them; they always turned to Ajab in every problem, just like me. She was the thread holding everything together. Can you believe how selfish she was, only caring about her salvation and not even considering our despair? This wasn't supposed to be like this. I was supposed to leave first, not her." He exclaimed, his voice heavy with pain. His tear-stricken face hurt Shubhkaran. He felt helpless, unable to assist the Rana. He knows his sister watching over them must have been disappointed.

Shubhkaran stood in silence, allowing the Rana to compose himself. After a while, Rana said, "I've summoned you here to give you a responsibility." The Rana presented a gleaming gold toe ring in front of Shubhkaran. "This ring belonged to your Jija. I had presented this to her on our wedding, and she never separated it from herself. This ring holds deep sentimental value for us. It was a steadfast companion over the years, holding great sentimental value. It provided her with reassurance and hope during times when I couldn't. During the past few months, I have dedicatedly conducted numerous yagyas and observed fasts, and as a result, I have been blessed by Sage Vishwanath. He granted me a boon that foretells that I shall unite with Ajab in every lifetime. He conducted a prophecy predicting the future return of Ajab as the daughter of Punwars. The timing of her birth is uncertain, but she will undoubtedly grace your home with her charming presence. Until her return, this ring shall remain in the custody of your lineage. Are you willing to take on this enormous responsibility?" he asked. Shubhkaran replied, "Hukum, it would be a great honor for my family and me to take on this responsibility. Mewar shall remember us, the Punwars, because of Maharani Ajabde Punwar, the daughter of Rao Mamrakh Punwar and the wife of Maharana Pratap Singh Sisodia." His words brought Rana's inner turmoil to peace, reassuring him that even though they were separated, they would reunite one day. This is just a new beginning disguised as a painful ending. This thought brought a faint smile to his face. He patted the back of Shubhkaran and said, "I'm grateful that you've accepted my request, and I feel relieved. Let's move past this and get down to real business. Could you kindly gather all my ministers for me? I want to discuss the current state of affairs."